ENG112 – Themed “Understanding Disability”

Objective assignment will meet:
Accessing outside sources to integrate into research, journal writing and class discussion on the topic of disability issues.

Description of previous assignment:
I have used print materials for this assignment thus far, so the change is in having students access podcasts for their source of information.

Rationale for assignment revision:
I would select this assignment and specifically this class because one of the goals of the course – being themed in Understanding Disability – is to have students become more familiar with and comfortable with addressing disability issues and to practice interaction with people with disabilities. Students are already required to participate in service learning activities in which they directly engage with people with disabilities, but these people are almost all on the recipient side of services. The podcasts will allow students to at least remotely engage with people with disabilities who are activists in disability issues.

Technology to be used:
Students will need access to a media player for at least sound if not audio-visual. These are available on all campus computers. Students will also have the option of downloading the podcasts to their own computers or personal players.

Two sites I currently use and would access for this would be:

Ouch! …it’s a disability thing
Disability Nation: An Audio Magazine for People with Disabilities

Instructions for students to complete assignment:
Students will be directed to specific podcasts for the class. I will provide them with the URL and specific link per assignment. Students will be required to write a summary and response journal to the podcast to bring in to class and share with peers. This writing will follow the requirements for all other weekly journals written for class.

Grading criteria, rubric, and assessment:
Journals are graded on a 10-point scale based on completion of required elements, as well as basic English skills. Students also receive 5 points for in-class discussion of the journal entry.